How to Resolve RTL8211E-VB-CG Wake-on-LAN (WOL) Not Working
How to Resolve RTL8211E-VB-CG Wake-on-LAN (WOL) Not Working
If your RTL8211E-VB-CG network interface card (NIC) is not responding to Wake-on-LAN (WOL) signals, there could be several causes. WOL allows a computer to be remotely Power ed on by sending a special "magic" packet, but for it to work, both hardware and software configurations need to be set up correctly.
Let's go through the most common causes and provide solutions step by step.
1. Check Hardware Compatibility
The RTL8211E-VB-CG is a commonly used gigabit Ethernet controller. Before troubleshooting, ensure that the hardware supports WOL. Most modern NICs, including the RTL8211E-VB-CG, do, but it’s important to confirm.
Solution:
Ensure that your motherboard and network card support WOL. Check the user manuals for both components to verify compatibility.2. Ensure WOL is Enabled in BIOS/UEFI
The BIOS or UEFI firmware is often the first place to configure Wake-on-LAN. If this option is disabled, your NIC won't respond to WOL packets.
Solution:
Reboot your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually Del, F2, or Esc) during startup. Look for a section like Power Management or Advanced settings. Ensure that Wake-on-LAN, Power on by PCI-E/PCI, or similar options are enabled. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.3. Enable WOL in Device Manager (Windows)
In Windows, the NIC’s WOL settings need to be enabled in the Device Manager.
Solution:
Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager. Expand the Network Adapters section. Right-click on the RTL8211E-VB-CG adapter and select Properties. Go to the Power Management tab. Check the box for Allow this device to wake the computer. Optionally, you may also want to check Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer to ensure that only WOL signals will wake the system.4. Check for Driver and Firmware Issues
Outdated or incorrect drivers can prevent WOL from functioning. Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for the RTL8211E-VB-CG NIC.
Solution:
Go to the Device Manager. Right-click the RTL8211E-VB-CG network adapter and select Update Driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software to check for newer versions. Alternatively, visit the official Realtek website to download the latest drivers and install them manually. Also, check if your motherboard has any firmware (BIOS/UEFI) updates related to WOL, and update it if necessary.5. Check Power Settings
Sometimes, the power settings in Windows can interfere with WOL functionality, especially settings like Fast Startup or power-saving options that put the NIC in a low-power state.
Solution:
Open Control Panel and go to Power Options. Choose your active power plan and click Change plan settings. Click Change advanced power settings. Under the Sleep section, set Sleep after to Never. Under Power Saving Mode for the Network Adapter, ensure it is set to Maximum Performance. Disable Fast Startup by navigating to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do, and uncheck Turn on fast startup.6. Ensure the Magic Packet is Correctly Sent
If your system is configured properly but still does not wake up, the issue may lie with the software sending the magic packet. Make sure you're using reliable WOL software.
Solution:
Use trusted Wake-on-LAN software to send the magic packet to the correct MAC address of the network card. Popular tools include WakeMeOnLan, Depicus Wake on LAN, or even mobile apps like WOL (Wake-on-LAN). Ensure that the NIC’s MAC address is correctly configured in the WOL software. Double-check that the computer is properly connected to the network and that no firewall or router settings block WOL packets.7. Check Router and Network Configuration
If your system is on a different subnet or you are trying to wake the computer remotely, router settings can block the magic packet from reaching your machine.
Solution:
Make sure that your router allows Wake-on-LAN traffic. Some routers block magic packets for security reasons, especially when trying to send them over the internet. You may need to enable UDP port forwarding (typically port 9) to the correct device if sending WOL over the internet.8. Test WOL Locally First
Before troubleshooting complex network configurations, ensure that WOL works on your local network first.
Solution:
Try sending the magic packet from another device on the same local network (e.g., from a smartphone using a WOL app) to see if it wakes the computer. If local WOL works but remote WOL does not, the issue may be with your router or firewall.Final Thoughts
To sum up, if Wake-on-LAN is not working on your RTL8211E-VB-CG, the issue may lie in BIOS/UEFI settings, Windows power settings, driver problems, or network configurations. Follow the steps provided, checking each potential issue systematically. Once you’ve made the necessary changes, test the WOL functionality again.
By ensuring your hardware and software are correctly configured, you should be able to resolve most WOL-related issues.
